Some operators are seeking to reduce costs by cutting staff significantly, engaging in outsourcing and as-a-service deals and stepping up automation initiatives. But a group of operators is taking the opposite view, at least when it comes to developing crucial software for virtualized networks, cloud platforms and new applications. Vodafone has been a prominent exponent of staffing up in order to establish differentiation and control of its own platforms. Now fellow UK-based operator, incumbent BT, is following suit. BT has announced it plans to increase its “digital workforce” by transferring thousands of staff into its Digital arm, and hiring about 400 new employees, to boost the unit from 3,500 to 6,300 people by April 2024. In this respect…